ARTS & CULTURAL HUB
THE ARTS STATION
A vibrant and engaging space for the creative community in Fernie featuring all disciplines of the arts for visitors and locals alike . The Arts Station has a varied program of entertainment and activities throughout the year including live concerts , film screenings , pottery workshops , community theatre , gallery shows , and creative classes for all ages .
LIVING HISTORY IN A HERITAGE BUILDING
From 1898 to 1964 , the Canadian Pacific Railway ( CPR ) station was the economic and social hub of the community . The current station building was completed in the spring of 1909 after an earlier incarnation burned down in the Great Fire of 1908 . The CPR donated the disused building to the City of Fernie and in 1987 the Fernie Arts Council began the four-year process of moving the building onto a new foundation and completely renovating the dilapidated structure . The former waiting room became the foyer gallery and every other space found new life as studios , event space , and even a restaurant . The Arts Station opened in 1990 as an indispensable base for artists in the Elk Valley .
PUBLIC ART
The Arts Station has been a hub for local artists to gather and share all forms of artistic expression for 30 years . Through exhibits and workshops , community artists have been able to share their work with the wider community and visitors . A dozen years ago , the banner project brought local art to the streets of Fernie and more recently , the dumpster project gave artists a new unique canvas , and brought colour and light to dark and ugly places . Building on these efforts , new large scale works of public art have been commissioned to add to Fernie ’ s Historic Downtown Artscape .
On the grounds of The Arts Station , A Hardy Town is a sculpture commemorating the 1908 Great Fire . A collaborative effort by local artist Michael Hepher and Kootenay metalwork artist Paul Reimer , the piece
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winter iconic photo spots
The Elk Valley’s scenic beauty shines all year round. Explore snow-clad parks,
trails and forests for unique Rocky Mountain viewpoints, spectacular contrasts and
stunning winter sunsets. For more details visit tourismfernie.com.
If you’re looking for some winter exertion, the bench on Hypervent trail is a good goal by fatbike.
Depart from the Montane Trails.
A magical snowshoe through Mt Fernie Provincial Park will soothe the soul and inspire big smiles.
Contact Wild Nature Tours for guided trips.
Historic Downtown Fernie offers glimpses of
mountains from many vantage points and the
frontier-style architecture is perfect for holiday
snaps
Fairy Creek Falls is an easy walk or snowshoe from
the Fernie Visitor Centre.
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The Polar Peak Lift at Fernie Alpine Resort soars
skiers and snowboarders high above the Elk
Valley Inversion for spectacular top-of-the-world
panoramas. The sawtooth ridge of the Lizard Range above
Fernie Alpine Resort and Island Lake Lodge glows
in the winter sunset. Catch it from Dogwood Park
on the banks of the Elk River.
Dramatic views across the valley to Fernie
Alpine Resort can be seen from many points in
the Montane Trail System. Cross-country ski,
snowshoe or fatbike to the Montane Hut for
this view. This rarely seen vantage point can be spotted from
the Mushroom Head trail. Snowshoe from Stove
Trail then down Dem Bones for spectacular views
that are worth the effort.
Fernie’s 3 Sisters Mountain Can be seen from
almost any spot. Capture it from the West Fernie
Bridge with intrepid paddleboarders out for a
winter float.
Mount Fernie looks beautiful at sunset from the
banks of the Elk River along the Community Trails
near Fernie RV Resort.
Pick up the NEW Winter Trail Map from the VIC, Museum and gear stores in town.
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